McKenna admits defensive woes

Speaking after the 4-2 defeat against Preston in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, McKenna said the poor defending cost his side the chance of victory against their League 1 opponents.

McKenna said: “I thought we controlled the game in the first half, played some good football and deservedly got ourselves in front.

“We had two or three good chances to kill the game off in the second half and haven’t taken them and then we’ve conceded a goal and that’s given them a big lift.

“Then they’ve scored a very well-worked free-kick and meaning we were up against up it but the lads have done well to get themselves back in the game and from there you’re hoping you can go on and win it.

“But a bit of an Achilles heel at the moment, we’ve conceded from a set play and we’ve found ourselves 3-2 down and we’ve had to go and try and chase another goal and a little mix up at the end has killed the game off for us.

“No matter what happens in the game you’ve got to keep the back door shut whether it be from set plays or in open play.

“But if you look at the game there are plenty of positives. I thought we were the better footballing side and we certainly felt 4-2 is a little bit flattering.”